Recording plate or film loading device

Abstract

A recording plate or film loading device for use with an image recording scanner. The device comprises a platen ( 6 ) arranged at an angle to the horizontal and onto which a plate or film is manually placed. A loading mechanism includes one or more first pusher members ( 12 ) cooperating with the platen to push a plate or film to an output position. A centering mechanism includes a pair of second pusher members ( 13 ) movable laterally with respect to the platen ( 6 ) to centre a plate or film on the platen.

1. A recording plate or film loading device for use with an image recording scanner, die device comprising a platen arranged at an angle to the horizontal and onto which a plate or film is manually placed; a loading mechanism including one or more first pusher members cooperating with the platen and actuable by a first stepper motor to push a plate or film to an output position; and a centering mechanism including a pair of second pusher members actuable by a second stepper motor for movement laterally with respect to the platen to centre a plate or film on the platen. 
   
   
     2. A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the fist pusher member(s) protrudes through an elongate aperture in the platen. 
   
   
     3. A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first stepper motor is connected to the first pusher member(s) via a rack and pinion. 
   
   
     4. A device according to  claim 3 , wherein the rack is fixed behind the platen, the motor being movably mounted to the platen and connected to the pinion and the first pusher member(s). 
   
   
     5. A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the or each first pusher member includes a roller to assist lateral movement of the plate or film across the platen. 
   
   
     6. A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the second stepper motor is connected to the second pusher members via respective rack and pinion connections. 
   
   
     7. A device according to  claim 6 , wherein the motor is connected to the racks via a common pinion. 
   
   
     8. A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the centering mechanism includes a sensor for sensing engagement between the second pusher members and a plate. 
   
   
     9. A device according to  claim 8 , wherein the sensor comprises an electrical circuit connecting the second pusher members and including a voltage source and current detector. 
   
   
     10. A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a control system for receiving information defining a plate or film size and for controlling the loading mechanism and centering mechanism so that the first and second pusher members take up positions corresponding to the defined size. 
   
   
     11. A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an inductive sensor mounted to the platen to detect a metal plate on the platen. 
   
   
     12. A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the platen is angled at 70-75° to the horizontal. 
   
   
     13. A device according to  claim 12 , wherein the platen is angled at substantially 71° to the horizontal. 
   
   
     14. An image recording scanner coupled to a loading device, the device comprising a platen arranged at an angle to the horizontal and onto which a plate or film is manually placed; a loading mechanism including one or more first pusher members cooperating with the platen and actuable by a first stepper motor to push a plate or film to an output position; and a centering mechanism including a pair of second pusher members actuable by a second stepper motor for movement laterally with respect to the platen to centre a plate or film on the platen. 
   
   
     15. A scanner according to  claim 14 , the scanner comprising an internal drum image scanner. 
   
   
     16. A scanner according to  claim 14 , further comprising feed rollers located adjacent the output position of the loading device, to which a plate or film is fed in use by the loading device. 
   
   
     17. A scanner according to  claim 16 , wherein the first and second stepper motors are operable independently of the scanner.